International fight continues

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) has just celebrated 20 years of advocacy work for gay, lesbian and HIV positive people in the developing world.

The organisation has campaigned for, and worked alongside, GLBT groups in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Latin America to eliminate discriminatory laws, promote equality and reduce violence. The IGLHRC campaigns for the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the 80 countries where it is still a crime.

The organisation celebrated its birthday with a ceremony to honour people who have made significant contributions to the progress of GLBT rights over the past year.

The IGLHRC bestowed its Felipa de Souza Award for grassroots activism on Colombia Diversa. Started in 2003, the Colombian organisation has produced training materials and advocacy campaigns. In 2009 it obtained equal legal status for same-sex couples in Colombia.

Barney Frank — the US’ first openly gay congressman — received the special recognition award. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1980, Frank campaigned for the removal of immigration restrictions on HIV positive people, and has pushed for legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual preference.

The third major award recipient was UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibe who has spent over 20 years campaigning for global health initiatives.